Skin Carotenoids Are Related to Cognitive Abilities among Toddlers

Laura M. Rosok, Lexi M. Fifield, Rhea Sarma, Shelby A. Keye, Anne M. Walk, Naiman A Khan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Carotenoids are antioxidant pigments that deposit in human tissues (e.g., skin, macula, and brain) upon dietary consumption. The health implications of skin carotenoids, which reflect overall dietary carotenoid consumption, have not been adequately studied in younger populations. Objectives: This work aimed to examine links between skin carotenoids and cognitive, language, and motor skills among toddlers. A secondary aim explored relationships between skin carotenoids and neurophysiologic outcomes of sensory memory [i.e., mismatch negativity (MMN)] and the functional integrity of the visual pathway [i.e., visual evoked potentials (VEPs)]. Methods: Toddlers aged 12–18 mo (n = 45) were included in a cross-sectional study. Skin carotenoids were measured with reflection spectroscopy via the Veggie Meter®. Cognitive, language, and motor skills were measured using the Bayley Scale of Infant and Toddler Development IV Screening Test (BSID-IV). MMN and VEPs were collected with an auditory oddball task and a pattern reversal task, respectively, using electroencephalography. Analyses adjusted for age, household income, highest level of parental education, and total carotenoid intake (mg/1000 kcal). Results: Regression modeling revealed that skin carotenoids significantly related to cognition (β = 0.24; P = 0.04) and not to any other BSID-IV subsets. Neither MMN nor VEP outcomes significantly related to skin carotenoids. Conclusions: Greater skin carotenoids were selectively related to cognition, indicating that carotenoids may play a role in cognition in toddlers. Additional research is needed to understand links between skin carotenoids and specific domains of cognitive function and brain health in early life.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3485-3494
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Nutrition
Volume154
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2024

Keywords

  • carotenoids
  • cognitive function
  • event-related potentials
  • skin
  • toddlers

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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